The Diocese of London’s Climate Action Projects form part of its strategic Climate Action Programme to address the challenge of energy use and carbon emissions from its buildings.
The Church of England has set a target for the whole church of reducing its carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2030.
Climate Action Projects in the Diocese of London aim to contribute to this target.
Climate Action Projects to more than 200 churches in the Diocese have already been undertaken, or are in course of planning or procurement. They may include:
Projects for energy-saving, or for sustainability purposes, include those to provide for:
Feasibility studies for pilot projects have now been completed. The first two of these projects, for St Mary Magdalene Paddington and St John-at-Hackney, have now completed their capital projects with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant-making bodies.
Depending on circumstances, here is a likely pecking order for improvements:
Some projects, such as replacing lighting or heating, may not be viable until an existing system has reached the end of its life.
Also it’s wise to consider whether the project is:
Replacing light bulbs is one of three basic steps advocated by the Diocese’s Shrinking the Footprint campaign.
Although low energy lamps cost more, their lifetime is longer, which also reduces costs to access and replace.
LED lights (Light Emitting Diodes) are the new standard. Every church should be replacing its lights with LEDs if feasible as soon as possible. Many already have.
This is also called ‘micro-generation’ or ‘Low and zero carbon technologies’.
To fill the energy gap and tackle climate change, renewable technologies, such as solar panels and heat pumps, should be introduced as widely as possible.
Increasingly it will become necessary to shift heating from gas to electrical systems. Churches are beginning to do this.
At present there continue to be cases where non-renewable energy appliances are the best option for the time being, eg high efficiency condensing boilers. These are designed for ease of maintenance – eg using modular systems. However they may survive without replacement for a decade or more – in which case it should be borne in mind that early replacement may be required as the energy transition progresses.
Options for on-site renewable energy installation are outlined in the sections below.
In the links at the foot of this page you will find a video of this online seminar by the Willesden Episcopal Area.
Solar panels include photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity, and solar thermal systems to generate heat, usually for hot water.
Solar PV is very suitable for many churches. It is the most cost effective renewable option for many churches. Solar hot water is more beneficial for domestic properties.
Ground source heat pumps are beneficial for new homes, and may be worth considering for smaller churches and many church halls.
Air source heat pumps may also be beneficial in some cases.
Heat pumps are nor strictly renewable energy, as they use some electricity, but they are relatively low on energy and carbon. A building needs to be well insulated for heat pumps to be efficient. Ground source heat pumps may be compromised if adjoining premises have similar systems.
St Paul’s Cathedral has a heat pump system serving its Chapter House.
This is the technical term for boilers that burn wood or other plant material (usually pellets, sometimes chips or logs).
This technology is almost carbon-neutral; though technically challenging, it may be worth considering for some churches.
Water should be used sparingly – while using enough to maintain good hygiene.
We do not know of any church that recycles water on site yet. However, several have been installing water butts in the churchyard.
‘Grey water’ systems are more appropriate for new housing. The new Parsonage of St John Wembley has a rainwater harvesting system.
Anyone planning retrofitting projects to the fabric of a historic building such as most churches should employ suitably accredited professionals for works to traditional buildings.
Project finance may be sought from grants, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (homes or smaller churches), bank loans or in some cases loans from the Diocese and other schemes.
Running costs eg for solar panels may be subsidised through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Owners including churches may form cooperatives with each other, to share and potentially reduce costs.
Some parish trusts may also contribute.
Most Projects will be subject to VAT, though some may recover this through the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme.
Works to a church will normally require a faculty, or permission from your Archdeacon.
Before embarking on any project, it is especially important to discuss with the Archdeacon.
The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), administered by Parish Property Support (see link below), should also be consulted.
Alterations to affecting the outside appearance of a building may often require planning permission. Contact your local authority.
Head of Environment and Sustainability
Parish Property Support Team.
Energy and carbon, global warming and climate change
Climate Action Programme.
Heating and energy use
Lighting and energy use.
Green Energy in a Time of Crisis – recorded session.
Generating your own energy
Solar panels
Heat pumps
Biomass heating
Conserving water.
Environment and Sustainability, front page.
